# fit

/ˈfɪt/ (US) · /fˈɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fit
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be the right size

verb · CEFR A2

to be the right size or shape for someone or something.

For teachers: to be of the correct size or shape for a particular person, space, or object. Often used intransitively or with a direct object.

- I tried on the shoes, but they didn't fit because they were too narrow.
- The tailor ensured the jacket would fit perfectly across the shoulders, as any pulling would ruin the silhouette of the suit.

### 2. to have enough space

verb · CEFR A2

to have enough space for something to go inside.

For teachers: to have sufficient capacity or space to contain something.

- We can't fit any more people in the car; it's already full.
- The gallery was so crowded that we could barely fit through the door to see the main exhibit.

### 3. healthy and strong

adjective · CEFR A2

healthy and strong, especially because you exercise regularly.

For teachers: physically sound and healthy; possessing the cardiovascular endurance or strength required for physical activity.

- He runs every morning to stay fit and active.
- The coach demanded a high level of conditioning, insisting that only the most fit players would start in the championship match.

### 4. suitable

adjective · CEFR B1

right or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

For teachers: appropriate or suitable for a specific purpose, role, or occasion.

- The water in the old well is not fit to drink.
- After the scandal, many critics argued that the minister was no longer fit for public office.

### 5. attractive

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

very attractive or good-looking.

For teachers: physically or sexually attractive. This sense is highly informal and specific to certain dialects.

- He thinks the new girl in his class is really fit.
- The teenagers spent the afternoon gossiping about which celebrities they thought were fit.

Teaching tip: This is very common in British youth slang but can sound out of place or overly casual when used by older learners.

### 6. medical seizure

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden medical problem where the body shakes or the person loses consciousness.

For teachers: a sudden attack of a disease, especially one involving convulsions or loss of consciousness, such as an epileptic seizure.

- The patient suffered a fit and had to be rushed to the hospital.
- The neurologist explained that the patient's fits were a symptom of a larger underlying condition that required daily medication.

### 7. outburst of emotion

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden, short period of a strong emotion or activity.

For teachers: a sudden, brief, and often uncontrollable outburst of emotion or physical activity.

- The toddler had a crying fit because he didn't want to leave the park.
- The audience was overcome by a fit of laughter when the actor accidentally tripped over his own cape.

### 8. clothing outfit

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a set of clothes worn together; an outfit.

For teachers: a complete set of clothes; a shortened form of 'outfit' used in casual contexts.

- That's a nice fit you're wearing today.
- She posted a photo of her new fit on social media before heading out to the party.

Teaching tip: This is a modern slang term popular on social media; it is a shortening of 'outfit'.

## Examples

- He runs every morning to stay fit.
- She is training hard for the marathon because she wants to be fit enough to finish in under four hours.
- The athlete maintained a rigorous training schedule to ensure he remained fit for the upcoming championship, despite the physical toll of the previous season.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.